From courtroom fallout to healing, acceptance and a life of kindness

A person directly affected by a legal matter leading to the conviction of a Fiji-born Australian citizen has come forward to clear the woman’s name.  

Marleen Charan was convicted in Australia for obtaining financial advantage by deception in 2022.  

The individual, who wishes not to be named, has come forward to share additional context surrounding the events that later became part of public discussion. 

“I wanted to provide an update so there can be fair understanding,” the individual said.  

“My role in the matter was limited. I was not involved in the court’s decision-making process. I only provided information based on what I understood at the time.” 

 According to the individual, their understanding evolved over time as more details surrounding the business operations and internal circumstances became clearer. 

 “My understanding now is that internal instability and communication issues contributed to confusion for everyone involved, including clients.” 

Charges context — a personal view

The legal matter surrounding Ms Charan remains part of the public record. 

In checking the court record, charges relating to Ms Charan representing herself as a lawyer, migration agent, or formal legal representative were fully dropped.  

However, public discussion and media commentary did not always reflect the full nuance and circumstances surrounding the matter. 

“In my view, the situation was shaped by a combination of stress, instability, pressure, and poor circumstances affecting multiple people at the time.” 

The individual also confirmed that Ms Charan later reached out voluntarily regarding repayment of financial losses. 

According to Ms Charan, this formed part of her effort to begin addressing the impact of the situation and taking responsibility for moving forward. 

It is further noted that individuals involved in the matter generally had their own legal representatives, advisors, or were connected to independent lawyers or migration agents throughout various stages of the process. 

About the business

The business operated primarily as a job search and business development consultancy for skilled professionals, particularly assisting individuals seeking employment pathways in regional areas experiencing workforce demand. 

“Migration-related matters and visa applications were handled through external registered migration agents where required,” Ms Charan said.  

Some candidates were successfully connected with legitimate employment and sponsorship opportunities through lawful and established processes. 

Ms Charan also said she hopes, as her personal and financial circumstances permit, to gradually reach out to other individuals affected by the situation as part of her ongoing efforts toward accountability, healing, and restitution. 

“I understand rebuilding trust takes time,” she said.  

“I cannot undo the past, but I hope to continue making amends where I can as I move forward.” 

Accountability, healing, and personal change

In an interview, Ms Charan acknowledged the impact the situation had on others while also reflecting on the personal difficulties she experienced during that period of her life. 

“I take accountability for the impact this situation had,” she said.  

“Severe stress, grief, burnout and personal loss can affect a person’s ability to cope clearly.” 

She described the legal proceedings as a major turning point. 

“I was supported through counselling, healing programs, retreats and psychosocial support that helped me rebuild emotionally and mentally.” 

Correctional experience and rehabilitation

Ms Charan said the correctional experience unexpectedly became a place of structure, reflection and support during one of the darkest periods of her life. 

“What I once feared would strip me of everything instead became part of rebuilding me,” she said. 

“The system provided access to counselling and support services that helped me confront deeper emotional and personal issues.” 

She believes justice systems should also be viewed through the lens of rehabilitation and transformation. 

“True justice is not only about consequences. It is also about whether people are capable of growth, accountability and change.” 

A father’s values and moral responsibility

Ms Charan said her decision to begin repaying affected individuals was influenced strongly by the values taught to her by her late father. 

“My father believed deeply that if harm occurs, even unintentionally, a person should try to make things right,” she said.   

“He believed integrity is measured by how a person responds after they fall.” 

She said repayment was not driven by legal obligation alone, but by personal ethics and responsibility. 

“This is about honour, accountability and trying to live by the values I was raised with.” 

She also acknowledged that rebuilding trust takes time. 

“I understand that people may still carry hurt or disappointment. I cannot change the past, but I can take responsibility for how I move forward.” 

Fiji roots, Seva, and a shift in perspective

Ms Charan said her upbringing in Fiji shaped her through values of humility, compassion and community care. 

“In Fiji, kindness was simply part of daily life,” she said.  

“People helped each other because that was our culture.” 

Selfless service became increasingly important to her understanding of life. 

“When many material things were stripped away, I realised compassion and humanity are ultimately what remain.” 

Loss, family, and the decision to study law

Ms Charan said one of the most painful aspects of her life journey was the breakdown and loss of her family during difficult systemic processes she struggled to navigate emotionally. 

“It changed everything for me,” she said. 

She said those experiences later inspired her desire to study law and better understand systems affecting vulnerable individuals and families. 

“I wanted to understand the system more deeply and hopefully help others facing difficult circumstances.” 

Advocacy, community support, and healing  

Ms Charan is also known to have participated in advocacy and support efforts involving vulnerable individuals and community matters, including support connected to the Indigenous habeas corpus matter involving Edward McHugh. 

She said much of her support work was voluntary and driven by a desire to assist people struggling through difficult situations. 

In 2024, she received a Global Recognition Award acknowledging advocacy and community support efforts. She also received acknowledgement of a nomination connected to Australian of the Year 2025. 

Today, she says her focus remains on healing, rebuilding, and personal growth. 

“I am focusing on recovery, yoga, wellbeing and rebuilding my inner strength.” 

Lessons on justice, acceptance, and moving forward  

Now 52, Ms Charan says her experiences have reshaped her understanding of justice, accountability and human complexity. 

“Justice systems are important for maintaining order, but human situations are often more complicated than headlines can capture,” she said. 

She believes acceptance — including accepting painful experiences and consequences — is part of growth. 

“Life does not always unfold the way we hope. Sometimes growth begins only after loss, reflection and accountability.” 

For the individual affected, the experience remains a reminder of how legal disputes and public controversies can deeply impact everyone involved. 

For Ms Charan, it has become part of a continuing journey toward accountability, healing and rebuilding. 

And beyond the headlines, both perspectives now point toward a broader human reality — that even after collapse, people can still seek compassion, understanding, responsibility and renewal.